How to Make Homemade Ketchup, Mustard and 8 Other Condiments at Home

Whether it's a family barbecue or just dinner for one, there's always something that doesn't quite make it on the grocery list, particularly condiments. For example, a bottle of ketchup will last me months. However, when it comes time to buy a new bottle, it’s hardly worth its own trip to the store. That's why I often make my own homemade ketchup, especially when all I need is enough to put on one hot dog.

Making your own condiments is cheaper than an extra trip to the grocery store and definitely less wasteful. After all, why go out and buy a whole bottle of something when you only need a few tablespoons? Here are a couple of recipes I rely on when I'm in a pinch.

1. Homemade Ketchup

Photo courtesy of Philia Kelnhofer, The SweetPhi Blog

1 cup chopped tomatoes: 67 cents

2 teaspoon brown sugar: 1 cent

2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: 2 cents

1 ½ teaspoon salt: 6 cents

1 teaspoon paprika: 7 cents

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: 5 cents

Total: 88 cents

This easy ketchup recipe by Sweet Phi is a lifesaver. Like most people, I probably use ketchup more than any other condiment, but I'm not a huge fan of the extra sugar in the store-bought variety. With this 16-serving recipe, not only do I know there are actual tomatoes in my ketchup, but I also know it’s tasty, healthy and only costs 88 cents.

2. Whole-Grain Mustard

Photo courtesy of KevinsCooking.com

½ cup yellow mustard seeds: 94 cents

¼ cup brown mustard seeds: 29 cents

½ cup apple cider vinegar: 24 cents

½ cup pale ale beer: 51 cents

1 tablespoon brown sugar: 3 cents

2 tablespoon honey: 8 cents

½ teaspoon salt: 2 cents

Total: $2.11

As you can probably tell from these ingredients, this whole-grain mustard recipe from Kevin is Cooking isn't your standard yellow mustard. This 72-serving recipe is perfect for a fancier dinner party or a regular cookout. At $2.11 this mustard recipe is hard to beat, especially when a jar of store-bought whole-grain mustard can cost $3 or more.

3. Barbecue Sauce

Photo courtesy of cookthestory.com

1 ½ cup ketchup: $1.08

¼ cup mustard: 20 cents

¼ cup brown sugar: 11 cents

Optional: salt

Total: $1.39

This simple barbecue sauce recipe from Cook the Story is just the thing to bring a little homemade flare to a backyard barbecue. For only $1.39 a batch, which yields about 14 servings, this three-ingredient recipe is sure to come in handy. And you can use your own homemade mustard and ketchup!

4. Tartar Sauce

Anytime fish is on the menu, this is my go-to tartar sauce recipe. It’s very rare that I have store-bought tartar sauce in my cupboard, so I just take mayonnaise, mustard (stone ground is my favorite) and relish, and mix them all together in a bowl. At 27 cents for five servings, it’s hard to beat. And if you don’t have any mayonnaise on hand, we’ve got a recipe for that too!

5. Buffalo Sauce

Photo courtesy of growingupgabel.com

⅓ cup of butter: 87 cents

½ cup hot sauce: 37 cents

1 tablespoon white vinegar: 1 cent

2 teaspoon garlic: 5 cents

Total: $1.30

Buffalo sauce is something I rarely eat, unless it’s with chicken wings. That said, this buffalo sauce recipe from Growing Up Gabel is great for a spontaneous wing night. As with all of these recipes, this three-serving Buffalo sauce recipe is really easy to tweak. If you tend to like more garlic, throw in an extra teaspoon. If you like some kick to your Buffalo sauce, splash in a little extra hot sauce. That way, you’re getting exactly what you want for only $1.30.

6. Mayonnaise

Photo courtesy of Grace Cooper

1 raw egg: 7 cents

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: 1 cent

⅔ cup vegetable oil: $1.48

Optional: salt and pepper

Total: $1.56

You’ll see variants of this mayo recipe everywhere, but I like to keep it simple. Just throw a raw egg, apple cider and vegetable oil in a high-speed blender (I use an immersion blender). If you want some extra flavor, play around with the recipe by adding extra spices, lemon juice or dijon mustard. Not only can you save some fridge space by not buying that giant jar of mayonnaise, but use this 14-serving recipe and get exactly the flavor and consistency you want for just $1.56.

As fans of the standard oil-and-vinegar salad dressing, this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink recipe has become a tradition in my family. It’s quick, easy, no mess and only costs about $2.59 for 26 servings. The base is one part balsamic vinegar and two parts olive oil. From there, feel free to leave out what you don’t want and add in what you do! Throw everything in a mason jar, shake it up and voila.

This is another great mason jar recipe my family often uses. It’s great for pizza, pasta, bread — you name it. If you’re feeling creative, this is another recipe you can dress up or down. If you’re looking for something quick, stick to the basic marinara sauce recipe, which only costs $1.12 for a little less than three servings.

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, then play around with spices and fresh herbs or add some novelty ingredients, such as sundried tomatoes or pine nuts. A tip for all of you who dine solo: If you don’t use the whole can of tomato paste, pour the rest in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for next time.

9. Hummus

Photo courtesy of Grace Cooper

16-ounce can of chickpeas: 99 cents

1 tablespoon lemon juice: 28 cents

1 tablespoon olive oil: 9 cents

1 clove of garlic: 17 cents

1 teaspoon cumin: 33 cents

Optional: salt and pepper

Total: $1.86

Although not strictly a condiment, this hummus is great on sandwiches, crackers, chips, etc. At $1.86 this recipe feeds six, making it low cost and easy — and I think it’s just a little bit tastier than the store-bought brands. I like to put all the ingredients in a blender for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the consistency I want. Throw some extra spices on top, and you don’t even miss the tahini!

10. Tzatziki Sauce

Photo courtesy of facfamilyrecipes.com

1 cup Greek yogurt: 97 cents

½ cup peeled, seeded and diced cucumber: 25 cents

1 teaspoon dill: 67 cents

1 teaspoon lemon juice: 1 cent

Optional: salt and pepper

Total: $1.90

I love tzatziki sauce, but it’s not something I come across at the store very often. At $1.90 for 12 servings, this recipe from Favorite Family Recipes is a great addition, whether it’s on a meat dish or with a side of pita. I like to make this recipe my own by adding a little extra lemon and dill to give it that zing.

Condiments are an easy thing to spend money on because they’re pretty cheap already. But I think we all know that a couple dollars here and there adds up. So, next time you're in a pinch, try using what you have in your own kitchen — you may discover your new favorite recipe!

Grace Cooper is a freelance writer and college student from Washington, D.C. She loves researching new recipes and firmly believes barbecue sauce tastes good on anything.